MCHT Awarded National Accreditation
Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) has recently been awarded accreditation status by The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance.
"Receiving accreditation status during our 40th year seems a fitting testament to MCHT's commitment to permanent land conservation-including ongoing care for the properties we protect," said Tom Ireland, MCHT's Board Chair and President "Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program, and this will help us build on our years of experience in conserving some of Maine's most critical lands."
Founded on Mount Desert Island in 1970, Maine Coast Heritage Trust has protected more than 135,000 acres in Maine, from the Isles of Shoals to Cobscook Bay, including more than 290 entire coastal islands. These land protection successes, and those yet to come, will assure continued public access to the coast for traditional activities such as hiking, fishing, clamming, and nature observation-and will bring lasting benefits to communities throughout Maine.
Maine Coast Heritage Trust was one of the first land conservation organizations in the United States to partner with private landowners, municipalities, and other community partners to use voluntary conservation agreements to protect the land. To further its efforts, Maine Coast Heritage Trust founded the Maine Land Trust Network in 1995. MLTN is a network of the state's 100 land trusts formed to build land conservation capacity and to unite and strengthen Maine's collective conservation efforts.
"Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever," said Commission Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn. "The accreditation seal lets the public know that Maine Coast Heritage Trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land. We're thrilled that MCHT, with its leadership role managing the Maine Land Trust Network, has taken this important step."
"While we are proud of our collective successes during our first 40 years, Maine Coast Heritage Trust is mindful that there is still so much to be done," added Tom Ireland. "MCHT is continuing to identify important conservation opportunities along the entire coast of Maine, and we look forward to working with willing landowners, local land trusts and other conservation partners to protect the character of Maine."
For more information on Land Trust Accreditation
Land Trust Accreditation Commission: The Land Trust Accreditation Commission was incorporated in April 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance to operate a land trust accreditation program to build and recognize strong land trusts, foster public confidence in land conservation and help ensure the long-term protection of land.
Land Trust Alliance: The Land Trust Alliance promotes voluntary private land conservation to benefit communities and natural systems. They are the national convener, strategist and representative of more than 1,600 land trusts across America.
Maine Excellence Program: A program of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Land Trust Alliance administered by MCHT's Maine Land Trust Network. The Maine Excellence Program is designed to increase the operational quality and sustainability of Maine land trusts as they prepare to apply for accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
